In fact, I was reading another blog about how there are many users of 2D software that are contemplating the switch to 3D CAD solid modeling so I thought I should show how ZW3D handles this task.

Specifically, I put together a 3-minute video where I import a 2D drawing into 3D space then create the 3D model and verify with an assembly -- we conclude with a design for a computer mouse with its circuit board.

One of the neat features that I show in ZW3D is the "move" command. Every time I show people simple moving with vectors they allows say "Wow, that was easy!" When moving the 3 views together you want to stand up the group in that view, so what was pointing in the Y+ you really want pointing in Z+ -- it's easy to do with vectors.

The other feature I use when modeling is "insert component" so in the example I wanted to see if the 3D shape I was making would allow the circuit board assembly to be inserted and fit correctly.

If you are considering moving from 2D to 3D, check out the below video and let us know if we can help -- email me here for a hands-on demo.

I enjoy saving time with ZW3D's unified modeling approach to creating parts.

It's fun designing new parts without the worries of which tool do I choose to get the job done. With ZW3D's "Overdrive Kernel" and its best-in-class CAD tools I know I can get the job done quickly and accurately.

While the list of related features is far too long to review here, I thought I'd share my favorite aspects in this design of a car side-mirror:​

First of all, ZW3D has a powerful set of both surface and solid commands. But what's even more powerful is that the solid tools can operate directly on surfaces and vice versa -- this makes for new possibilities in shapes and productivity.

Secondly, the commands themselves are unified -- that is, each works on solid or surfaces! Perhaps the most used is "Extrude", where I get most of my work done. I can keep my mind on the task at hand and keep creating without getting bogged down by two interfaces or switching between solid and surface tool bars. I just draw!

Click to Zoom

ZW3D also includes smart design tools on top of Overdrive. For example, when it comes to the finish and making those "little tweaks" ZW3D has me covered with a command that just amazes me every time I use it. "Morph Curve to Curve" will move than geometry to a new place while maintaining the look I want. When I think about the design time it saves I can't help but smile. Now more creating complex sketches or 3D wireframes on multiple planes. I just morph it!

Click to Zoom

(Although I didn't have time in this demo, I should also mention direct edit modeling and related tools -- they are invaluable, especially when re-engineering a part or healing for manufacturing.)

See all these at work in the below video.

And ​I encourage you to try ZW3D CAD for your 3D design tool -- you will be pleased with its ease, power, and flexibility for high end work.

"Before it became widely recognized that holding designs in your hand attracted people to 3D printing like a moth to a flame, a lot of engineers were unaware of its benefits. While you can’t hold running code, today’s Pick of the Week gives you the pleasant surprise of showing what a full-featured CAD/CAM system can do for you."

​Manufacturing shops, do you often receive 3D part models from customers that need major fixing before you can build the mold or start machining? And are you forced to spend countless man-hours tediously touching-up untrimmed surfaces, missing surfaces, and open edges?

If so, I invite you to try ZW3D -- the Overdrive modeler and healing tools inside this CAD/CAM solution make quick work of fixing these faults and giving you a fully useable model.

"Show Open Edges" Guides Users Through All Faults

Here are some top features and commands that I've featured in a recent video:

On importing, you have the options of "Autosew", "Break Trim Edges", and "Delete Duplicate Surfaces" -- a great start to healing and prepping the model.

Also useful tool is the "Move" command which lets you orient the model by vectors to make it as handy as possible to heal.

Then you have the centerpiece "Show Open Edges" command which highlights and guides you through all unresolved problems step-by-step -- it's an amazing confidence builder and time saver.

I often use "Concatenate Edges" to join surface edges by an angle deviation and automatically correct many problems.

Then you have a powerful freeform editing toolset, highlighted by "Trim to All Curves" -- because you don't need to manually pick each curve, this tool alone saves hours. Also remember, because Overdrive is a unified modeler, you can trim edges to either surfaces or shapes.

Given the upcoming change in the CAD market, we've been experiencing a surge in new membership -- so I thought I'd post an invitation here.

If you are a provider, feel free to post all new product and vendor materials in the promotions area and please do provide industry perspectives/counsel in discussions -- users and buyers certainly want to learn from you.

If you are a user or buyer, feel free to post your experiences, questions, or needs in the discussions area -- all others certainly want to help and learn from you. My overall perspective on this market is that you should and can be very demanding -- there are several very capable alternative/affordable CAD solutions in the market today.

My own recommendations for top criteria in seeking an affordable solution are: 1. Must provide 100% of the functionality that you need (and perhaps more), 2. Must scale to meet your design complexity/size requirements, 3. Must provide complete compatibility with AutoCAD/DWG, 4. Has made hundreds/thousands of customers like you successful, and 5. Is an organization that you trust for ongoing innovation and support for the future.

Again, I believe many strong solutions/vendors exists today and this group is committed to helping you find that match. We look forward to your thoughts!You can join here.

ZWCAD is emerging as an increasing popular CAD solution for U.S. manufacturers of steel structures.More and more, it's being used by industry leaders to spec, design, detail, communicate, and install mezzanine systems, machinery platforms, towers, catwalks, handling and storage equipment, lifts, loading docks, protective guards, and more.

We connected with these players to report on the top reasons behind these decisions:

ZWCAD Meets Key CAD Requirements: Whether discrete or process, in order for manufactures to produce world-class products, their steel structures for manufacturing must also be world-class, and, in turn, their CAD for designing those structures must be world-class.ZWCAD provides all 2D/3D design/detailing capabilities to meet these exacting engineering requirements.

Pricing and Licensing to Fully Enable the Company: For best client results, the entire delivery team is equipped with CAD to spec, design, detail, communicate, and install a structural solution.At 1/5 the price of traditional CAD, ZWCAD+ allows for modern CAD in the hands of sales, engineers, drafters, and distributors. Also, with traditional CAD now limited to a rent-only option, these manufacturers typically prefer the ROI and flexibility of owning ZWCAD.

Interfaces with Full Environment: Structural manufacturers often use BIM for preliminary design of their structures, analysis tools like STAAD to confirm the design, and then feed the tested design into CAD for further detailing and communications.ZWCAD, because it's 100% DWG compatible, fits seamlessly into these engineering and business systems.

Customizable: A key asset of any manufacturer is specific know-how in their design and manufacturing process.With ZWCAD, organizations are able to program and automatically reuse much of this knowledge via customized interfaces, workflows, and libraries.

Practical, Affordable Path to Upgrade to 2015 CAD: Many manufacturers, simply eager to upgrade to the latest CAD file versions and features, have turned to ZWCAD to get modern quickly and affordably.

For more on ZWCAD and how it can advance your manufacturing of steel structures and modernize your CAD, please visit the product page or call 617-701-7028.

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